CW programming exec joins CBS, Lionsgate net

US entertainment network Pop has added The CW’s alternative programming chief to its ranks, with Paul Adler leaving as a result.

Justin Rosenblatt (pictured) is leaving his post as senior VP, alternative programming at the Warner Bros. and CBS-owned broadcast network to become executive VP, original programming and development at Pop.

Adler, who has been with Pop for 16 years and oversaw its rebrand from the TV Guide Network, will exit. He will continue to serve as a consulting producer on select projects at the network, which CBS and Lionsgate jointly operate.

Pop rebranded last year, and has lined up 400 hours of original programming this year, including Canadian-produced comedy Schitt’s Creek, which has been picked up for a third season, Lionsgate Television-produced sitcom Nightcap and acapella-themed docu-series Sing it On, which debuts a second season this week.

New chief Rosenblatt has most recently been working up a slate of CW unscripted originals including Whose Line is it Anyway? and the reboot of MADtv, and also oversaw work on America’s Next Top Model, Penn & Teller: Fool us and Masters of Illusion.

He has also worked in senior programming posts at MTV Networks (now Viacom Media Networks) such as senior director of series development and programming at MTV2, and also worked on telefilms and motion picture development. He will report to Pop president Brad Schwartz.

“Justin is the perfect executive to build upon our Network’s rapid growth, with bold new original programming that breaks through the clutter and resonates with passionate fans and younger, socially-engaged viewers,” said Schwartz. “His experience from The CW and MTV Networks in both scripted and unscripted programming is exactly what we need for the next phase of our evolution.

“He will join Pop at an optimal time, taking over the reins from Paul, who has had a remarkable run at the network and has been a great leader and contributor to our successes.”

Schwartz took over at Pop in February last year, with business development chief David Wisnia leaving at the same time.